Get Out There!

Starting your own business can be both exciting and terrifying. Sometimes mostly terrifying if we’re being honest! You have a great idea, but you may also be asking yourself if you are capable of making it a success. The truth is that starting a business requires hard work and a lot of energy. And coffee. And encouragement. And planning. And patience. And creativity… but before I go too far (too late?), you must know: it can be incredibly rewarding!

Sometimes the hardest thing about starting your business is actually starting. Make a plan, do research, but at the end of the day it takes you deciding to Just Start.

Pause and think with me. Imagine a thing that only existed in your mind. It’s a thought; some idea that combines a need you see and a skill/solution you can offer. Now imagine that thing coming to life, taking shape, having a past, a present and a future. It’s truly amazing.

As you think about starting your own business, you might be asking, “Where the ____ do I start?!” That’s what we’re here for. Read on. These are strategies and musings finding a home together.

The first step in starting a business is to develop a plan.

This plan should outline your goals, your target audience, your marketing strategy, and your financial projections. It’s important to be realistic in your projections, but also to dream big. There is a TON of Disney in our house, so why not listen to something Walt Disney himself said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” (feel a bit strong? Maybe you can at least try to do it!)

If you resonate with the comment in parenthesis, you’re not alone!

One of the biggest obstacles that people face when starting a business is fear.

Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of what others might think. But fear is just a feeling, and feelings can be overcome. Instead of letting fear hold you back, use it as motivation. Use it as a reminder of how much you want to succeed and how much you have to gain.

Another important consideration when starting a business is finding the right team.

You can’t do it all on your own, and you don’t have to. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and who can help you achieve your goals. This might mean hiring employees, finding business partners, or seeking out mentors who can offer guidance and support.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when starting a business is to be flexible.

Your plan may change as you go, and that’s okay. Be open to new ideas and opportunities, and be willing to pivot when necessary. Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” It might take that for you as well, and that is not only normal, often it is GOOD. It actually shapes you + your business into a better version than if you got it right the first time.

Another key factor in starting a successful business is having a strong brand.

Your brand is what sets you apart from your competitors and communicates your values to your customers. Invest time and resources in creating a memorable and meaningful brand that resonates with your target audience. Check out our post on branding (when you’re ready! No rush)

Marketing is also a critical part of any successful business. You can have the best product or service in the world, but if no one knows about it, you won’t make any sales. Develop a marketing strategy that includes both online and offline tactics, and be consistent in your messaging.

Finally, don’t forget to have fun!

Starting a business can be a lot of hard work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Take time to celebrate your successes, both big and small, and remember why you started this journey in the first place.

What did we learn?

Starting a business can be a scary prospect, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Remember to develop a solid plan, find the right team, be flexible, create a strong brand, invest in marketing, and most importantly, have fun! Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

Sometimes I hate over quoting… fortunately for you this is not one of those times. Listen to Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

You have some really great “Good” to share with the world. So Go Get Out There!